You don't really notice the e34 5 series until you consciously take a moment to stop and look at it. The styling that was carried over from BMW's flagship model back in 1989 still looks timeless, 22 years later. In many ways it's the best modern classic BMW available; it was the last car to retain the German manufacturer's traditional quad headlight design, yet its new body shell was much more aerodynamic, stiffer, and safer than the previous generation; it represented the first incarnation of the new-age BMW. I've asked many friends how old they think the e34 5er is and the closest guess has been about 5 years off. Only minor exterior changes were made to the e34 during its lifespan, those being side-mounted turn indicators and more painted area on the lower body. All models come equipped with central locking, although a remote keyless entry system and alarm was added later. Another convenient feature is the key-activated window operation, which allows you to roll up all the windows and close the sunroof from outside of the car. With a decent coat of paint and wheels to match, the car simply defies its age.
The e34's interior is exactly this: A premium sedan cabin from the early 90s. It was top of the line, and it's still far better than many compact class interiors today. Leather was standard, don't worry about that. So were power seats, power windows, driver airbag (and passenger in later years), ABS, and a powerful on-board computer with functions such as average MPG/MPH, thermometer, an estimated arrival time calculator, etc. In fact, the North American E34 came standard with so many features that the options list was sparce. One option of note is the sport package, which in addition to stiffer suspension offered more dynamic seats that do a much better job holding the occupants in place during spirited driving. Very few models were equipped with this option, so you may not come across any on your used car hunt. That said, the regular seats are extremely comfortable and fully adjustable (even the headrest is electrically adjustable!), and the armrests are more than welcome on long trips.
It should be assumed that every used car ages differently. Cars that were pampered throughout their life will show it, and it's easy to find an e34 for under 5k that's been pampered. By today's standards, the car is small and light for a mid-size sedan; it's the same size and weight as a new 3 series. The car was originally set up for luxurious, comfortable cruising, although with a new set of suspension components it transforms into a midsize sports sedan that holds its own or bests everything else in its price range. Both automatic and manual gearboxes were available, the 5 speed manuals tending to outlast their 4 speed (5 in later years) automatic counterparts. Acceleration is more than adequate with any engine above the 2.5 liter, and braking is even better. Safety was a strong influence on the car's design; the body was 33% more rigid than the outgoing model and boasted a record setting 60-0 braking distance of 130ft.
Lastly, I suppose I should address the reliability. Put plainly, anyone who tells you a BMW of this era is expensive to maintain either owns a lemon or doesnt own one at all. Asides from the usual maintainence such as oil changes, I think I've spent about $200 per year in items that needed replacement. The car recieved a new radiator (installed by yours truly) and a rebuilt driveshaft since mine had some play in it. It's been pretty much bulletproof other than that. See the video review for more details!

1990 525i Bmw —
Still a BMW, so its kind of nice. However, given that its very old, its not very recommended. The body is amazingly strong, and its very reassuring incase you have an accident. Umm I guess that's about it. It's very old btw.

Bmw 535i —
preformance: 211hp and with the H&R chassie its got good handling for a big car
handling: its a big car
Build quality: BMW (perfect)
Gas Mileage: 12.2 l / 100km
Maintenance: well its a bmw so it doesent brake down...
Fun Factor: yes it is fun to drive, both long and short trips

I'll Never Forget My First Love. —
Solid performance in all aspects except steering. The wheel is numb and overboosted. Comfortable freeway cruiser and fun to drive in the twisties. Decent cost of ownership, good quality, fairly reliable, and a good looker. With proper maintenance, they run forever!

The Ultimate Driving Machine —
I love my BMW 525I. The performance is great. I can easily out handle the majority of cars on the road and the braking is amazing. This car was built with stuff that it could do without, but BMW took the initiative to make thier cars the best when american cars where only worried about cutting costs and putting only the whats required unless you want to pay extra (BMW does it standard). The gas mileage is decent for the year, about 16 city and 20 hwy. Maintenance is great, they are very reliable and not really that expensive to fix when you know where to find parts or have the best BMW Mechanic around like me. Overall this car is a blast to drive, attracts all the women you could ask for and is constantly getting attention from everyone. Would highly recommend a BMW to anyone, it is "The ultimate driving machine".

1990 Bmw 5 Series 518i —
Performance: Wasn't bad, 2.0 Straight 6 may be a touch underpowered but is adequate, brakes good, handling was a good for what it is.
Build Quality: Good
Appearance: Not in great condition but not the worst I have seen.
Cost of Ownership: Not bad on fuel for what it is, maybe 30MPG
Fun Factor: Not bad, didn't really use it enough to experiance any fun really but a good drive.

Fine German Motoring —
This car is just magic to drive :) Looks great, solid german workmanship, reliable, just a little heavy on fuel but perfomes beautifully. It is easy and fun to drive, has everything electric that opens and shuts right down to the first aid kit, lfull leather interior, faultless throughout

Bmw 525i Se 1990 —
the car was very well built and very good performance from the 2.5 litre straight six ,great looking car even though interior looked a bit dated ,was very heavy on the gas if you put your foot down, very fun to drive very tail happy in the wet .

Its Good For Speed And Drifting —
i love it, its good for speed and drifting. when I drive it, I remove the ASC and drifting on the turns!! it was the car that I learned in it how to drive. I recommend this car to everybody!!

Reviews From Other Years

Excellent, Safe, Quick Enough, And Large Storage.By sjcdal

wifes daily driver. She says just about once a week..."I love my car".
After a long time away from BMW, this car has been a pleasant surprise. Nice looks, fairly quick, safe, solid auto. No compl...
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A Pleasure To DriveBy Joeadp

awesome drive with all the bells nd whistles...takes about a week to get comfortable with bmw idrive.......seems intuitive after a week. great gas mileage n added bonus for a car this size. love the...
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Love The MsportBy bmwfan917

Overall nice car. Looks good, handles very well, plenty of features... Decent factory warranty. The runflats give us a peace of mind for long drives. Gas mileage is not bad for a sports car. Around...
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Its The BestBy ashishbrar

I have no complaints with it. I am sold on a BMW and would never get anything else. Its just amazing. Its drives, handles and runs perfect. Its also great on gas mileage and its roomy. Enough space fo...
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Nice Appearance.By stonebay124

Not what I expected the vehicle to be.Though attractive in appearance, handling is more of a performance vehicle than a performance/leisure vehicle.
Though brand in name is fine, in the future I thin...
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Great Vehicle! By Country860

It is a great vehicle and very comfortable and reliable. The 4 cylinder is great on gas but could have a little more pickup power. All the options on the car are great. Plenty of power once you are up...
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A Great Family Sedan From BmwBy fazmoto

The larger size of this model 5 series (known as F10 body style) makes it a better choice for families than previous generations. The 3.0 liter turbo engine has enough power to make this a real perfor...
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BmwBy bmerguy

I love this car, the best car that I've ever owned. It's fast, it has a good looking design, excellent comfort, good acceleration, excellent handling, good fuel economy, equipment is so easy to use, t...
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Addicting!By Rqumsieh

This car is fun to drive. Very powerful on the road, people always compliment on how nice the car looks. Since I started driving the 5 series, I dont think I will be able to switch to any other car, s...
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A Sporty Sleeper In DisguiseBy William

Fun driving, sports sedan ONLY as BMW can formulate such a delightful balance between form and function. Tight as a drum, reliable, fun to drive easy or hard, corners beautifully and sticky. Rigorou...
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